Free Town on the map

Location in Greater ManchesterFree Town sits where the marker shows within the county.

54,300
Population
20,309
Households
4 / 10
Deprivation decile
Around average
12
Schools nearby
£42,817
Avg. household income
2,297
Businesses
1,638
People per km²
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About Free Town

Free Town is a locality in Greater Manchester, England, situated within the BL9 postcode area. The area features a mix of residential and commercial properties, providing a variety of amenities for residents and visitors alike. The community is served by local shops, schools, and parks, making it a convenient place for families and individuals.

Transport links are accessible, with nearby bus routes and road connections facilitating travel to surrounding areas. The locality is part of a larger urban environment, offering opportunities for exploration and engagement with the diverse culture of Greater Manchester. Free Town's proximity to the city centre allows for easy access to a wider range of services and attractions.

School Ratings in Free Town

Free Town is served by 178 schools. Hoyle Nursery School is rated Outstanding by Ofsted. A further 16 schools hold a Good rating.

House Prices in Free Town

Property prices average £220K across the area, and terraced houses are the most common property type, typically selling for £147K.

Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour in Free Town

Local crime rates sit lower than national averages. Other theft accounts for the highest share in Free Town, with 1 incidents logged in May 2026.

Deprivation and Employment in Free Town

Based on the 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation, Free Town falls within the mid-range nationally for overall deprivation. Working-age employment is around the national average for the area. Income levels locally sit close to the national average.

Healthcare in Free Town

There are 47 GP surgeries within three miles of Free Town, the nearest being Huntley Mount Medical Centre (0.1 miles away).

Property Prices 6,257 sales

Average Price £220K
£200 , £15.28M
Detached £346K 768
Semi £208K 1,900
Terraced £147K 2,564
Flat £121K 587

Household Income in Free Town ONS 2023

The average total household income in Free Town is approximately £42,817 a year before tax, 23% below the national average of £55,302. After tax and benefits, the average disposable (net) household income is around £33,349. These are modelled estimates from the Office for National Statistics for the financial year ending 2023.

Free Town £42,817
England & Wales avg. £55,302

Net (after tax) household income averages £33,349.

Businesses in Free Town ONS 2025

There are approximately 2,297 active businesses based in Free Town, around 42 for every 1,000 residents. The local economy is dominated by small firms: about 88% are micro-businesses employing fewer than 10 people, while 52 are larger employers with 50 or more staff. Figures are from the Office for National Statistics UK Business Counts.

2,297 Total businesses
42 Per 1,000 residents
Micro, 0-9 88%
Small, 10-49 10%
Medium, 50-249 2%
Large, 250+ 0%

Deprivation and Employment in Free Town IMD 2025

The 2025 Index of Multiple Deprivation places Free Town in the mid-range nationally. Employment and income levels are close to the England average, with a mix of opportunities across sectors. Overall living conditions are comparable to similar areas across the country.

Overall Deprivation
4/10
Income
4/10
Employment
4/10
Education
5/10
Health
4/10
Housing
7/10
Living Environment
4/10
Children 0-15 21%
Working age 63%
Older 65+ 16%
11,433 Children (0-15) 21%
33,993 Working Age 63%
8,870 Older (65+) 16%
Average Child Poverty (IDACI) 41.8% of children in income-deprived families
Average Older Person Poverty (IDAOPI) 22.9% of over-60s in income-deprived households
Data from English Indices of Deprivation 2025 · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Crime in Free Town 5 crimes · May 2026

Low Crime Area

Reported crime in Free Town falls below the national average, suggesting a comparatively safe environment. Violence & sexual offences tops the list of recorded incidents, but figures are low overall. Residents and visitors alike tend to find this a quiet and reassuring town.

Violence & Sexual Offences 3
Other Theft 1
Public Order 1
Local Policing
Greater Manchester Moorside Visit force website →
Data from data.police.uk · Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Crime figures depend on reporting by individual police forces and may not reflect the full picture in all areas.

Nearest Train Stations 6 stations

Castleton (Manchester) Train Station 4.2 miles
Rochdale Train Station 5.2 miles
Bromley Cross (Lancs) Train Station 5.4 miles
Kearsley (Manchester) Train Station 5.5 miles
Hall-I-Th-Wood Train Station 5.5 miles
Farnworth Train Station 5.6 miles

Location

Local Government

District Bury
County Lancashire
Ward Bury East
Constituency Bury North
Parish Bury, unparished area
Region North West

Home Ownership in Free Town

Of the 22,100 households in and around Free Town, 61% are owned, 19% are socially rented and 20% are privately rented. Home ownership here is in line with the England and Wales average of 63%.

Owned 61% Social rented 19% Private rented 20%

Tenure from the 2021 Census (ONS), for the postcode districts covering Free Town.

Frequently Asked Questions about Free Town

What is the population of Free Town?
Free Town has a population of approximately 54,300 residents, based on the latest census figures for the surrounding postcode area.
What is the average house price in Free Town?
The average property in and around Free Town sold for about £220,458, based on HM Land Registry Price Paid records. That is around 37% below the England and Wales average of £349,091.
Is Free Town a deprived area?
Free Town sits around the national average for deprivation, with an Index of Multiple Deprivation decile of 4 out of 10, where 1 is the most deprived and 10 the least deprived.
What postcodes cover Free Town?
Free Town is covered by the BL9 postcode district.
How many schools are there in Free Town?
There are 12 schools within easy reach of Free Town, spanning primary, secondary and other phases.
Where is the nearest train station to Free Town?
The nearest railway station to Free Town is Castleton (Manchester) Train Station, about 4.2 miles away.